Pro Sports

Senegal, Japan: underdogs aiming for a round of 16 spot

Posted June 23, 2018 7:00 am

By KAREL JANICEK

Japan's Princess Takamado gestures as she photographs during a training session of Japan national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The Associated Press

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AP) - Senegal and Japan have been part of the uprising of the underdogs at this World Cup, in the mix among the lower-ranked teams that are surprisingly taking points from the favorites.

Defying expectations, Japan beat Colombia 2-1 in its opening match to become the first team from Asia to beat one from South America in World Cup history. Senegal followed up with a 2-1 victory over No. 8-ranked Poland to become the first African team to win in the 2018 edition after Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia all opened with losses.

Japan and Senegal have joined the likes of Mexico, which upset Germany, and Iceland, which held Argentina to a 1-1 draw.

Now they're playing each other, with the lead in Group H on offer for Sunday's winner.

The winner of their match in Yekaterinburg would be on the brink of advancing to the knock out stage, while a draw would mean both remain in contention.

That leaves the group favorites, Colombia and Poland, under pressure and in need of points when they meet later on Sunday to avoid an early elimination.

JAPAN'S EXPERIENCE

Japan coach Akira Nishino relies heavily on his players with past World Cup experience. The country first qualified for the sport's marquee tournament in 1998 and hasn't missed a World Cup since, reaching the round of 16 in 2002 and 2010. Japan did what it needed to do against 10-man Colombia to win, but chances will be harder to create against Senegal. Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki might be available to start after recovering from a right calf strain. He was used as a substitute against Colombia.

"We need to be able to play to our full potential rather than being reactive to the opposition's strength," Nishino said.

Japan is enjoying the unexpected but highly welcomed support from Princess Hisako of Takamada, who visited the team's practice hub in Kazan to meet the players after she attended the match against Colombia. The first member of Japan's royal family to visit Russia in more than a century, Princess Hisako is likely again to attend Sunday's match.

SENEGAL'S STARS

Sadio Mane rarely threatened against Poland, but Senegal is hoping the Liverpool striker is able to use his pace and exceptional dribbling skills up front to score. The Lions of Teranga need his goals to meet the expectations and emulate the 2002 Senegal team that reached the quarterfinals on World Cup debut. To do so, a Senegal defense led by Kalidou Koulibaly has to stay as focused as they were against Poland, when they nullified the impact of star striker Robert Lewandowski.

"We're not too euphoric because we know it's going to be a difficult match against Japan," Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said. "It's a hard working team."

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Japan is yet to register a win over Senegal. In the previous three friendly encounters Senegal has two wins - 2-0 in 2001 and 1-0 in 2003 - and the teams drew 2-2 in 1987.

Senegal's Mbaye Niang, right, dances in celebration with his teammates scoring his side's second goalduring the group H match between Poland and Senegal at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo) The Associated Press

Poland's Thiago Cionek, left, and Senegal's Alfred Ndiaye, right, go for a header during the group H match between Poland and Senegal at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) The Associated Press

Senegal's fans, their bodies and faces painted in the colors of the national flag, support their team during the group H match between Poland and Senegal at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) The Associated Press

Players warm up during a training session of Japan national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Friday, June 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The Associated Press

Japan's Princess Takamado, center, speaks with Japan's Makoto Hasebe, right, and Japan's Shinji Kagawa, left, prior to a training session of Japan national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The Associated Press

Japan's Princess Takamado, right, and Japan's Keisuke Honda, left, shake hands prior to a training session of Japan national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.